My family bought be the best Lush box for my birthday — The Experimenter Gift Box, and it has so many of my Lush favorites inside. Now that it’s October and the weather is cooling down, I’m excited to start taking more baths. I love relaxing in a nice hot bath with a bath bomb and bubble bar. Here’s a look inside my amazing birthday gift — The Experimenter Gift Box:
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I found this cute hexagon hole punch online and wanted to try out some fun DIY art pieces. Lately, I’ve been seeing DIY hexagon/honeycomb shelves — I think they look so exciting and sleek, but wood working isn’t something i’m familiar with but I still love the honeycomb accent, so I thought this was a cool idea.
I made these cute canvas honeycomb art pieces and I am in love. With spring coming up, I chose greens and blues for a “nature” vibe and I added a silver glitter pop to make it a little more interesting.
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I found this cute Valentine’s Day DIY on Pinterest and I wanted to give it a try. This DIY worked great and it was super fast and easy. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, and personalized Valentine’s Day gift, definitely give this a try!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Hello December!
Here is my Gift Guide Holiday 2015 with prices ranging from $6 to $96. These gifts are obviously things that I would love to receive, but also gifts that many people in your life would probably like to receive as well.
Don’t forget to wrap all of your gifts in Erin Condren gift wrap! The designer wrapping paper and labels all coordinate to make your gifts look extra special. Plus, get $10 off your Erin Condren purchase by creating an account through my link. Happy Holidays!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I don’t usually get excited about the seasonal items from Lush — I love the classics (the Comforter is my favorite). But this year, I wanted to try out some of the Lush Christmas products. I bought Northern Lights bath bomb when it came out a month or so ago and I loved it; the colors were super pretty and it smelled great.
So naturally, I wanted to grab another one when I ran out of my “Lush stash”. I’m super excited because I got to stock up on everything with this Lush Haul — classics and Christmas!
The Northern Lights bath bomb wasn’t out on its own — apparently they’re all breaking during the shipping process, so one of the Lush girls pointed out the Poptastic gift box which has Northern Lights and Sparkler. 
Unfortunately, my Northern Lights was broken when I opened the box. It’s fine though, I know the bath will still look and smell amazing!
The rest of my Lush Christmas looks equally amazing. I’m so excited because I’ve haven’t tried any of these products except the Snow Fairy shower gel.
The Snow Fairy shower gel is such a pretty pink color. I love all of the pink things at Lush! Actually, when I first used this gel, I didn’t like the smell at all. I’d gotten it in a gift box and I remember not liking it or the Rock Star soap. But I like it a lot now — it’s sort of like a cotton candy smell. 
When I saw the Holly Go Lightly bubble bar — with silver glitter all over — I knew I wanted to try it out. Mostly because it looks so pretty, but also because it smells warm and cinnamon-y. It’s a large sized bubble bar which is nice — you could definitely break this up for multiple uses.
The Wizard bubble bar looks super cute. There is a little yellow star at the top of his wizard’s hat. Mine is a little more pink looking than other’s I’ve seen. I think this might be part of the Halloween collection, but either way, I’m glad I got to buy one before they ran out.
The Luxury Lush Pud bath bomb looks like it has a little bit of everything. There are lots of fun colored polka dots within the mostly pink bomb. It smells like soothing lavender and doesn’t appear to gave any glitter or things that will make clean up difficult.
And then I picked up some of my favorites:
Dragon’s Egg, Creamy Candy bubble bar, Sex Bomb bath bomb, The Comforter, and Think Pink bath bomb.
Did you pick up any of Lush’s Christmas items? Which are your favorites?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I recently picked up a few things from Sephora with my birthday gift cards and was super excited because I got a bunch of extra freebies and renewed my VIB Rouge status!
I purchased another bottle of the Purity cleanser by Philosophy. I really like how well it removes makeup and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dried out. I also bought the Lancome Regenerie Lift Multi-Action moisturizer — I use this as my morning moisturizer because it has SPF 15 and it is so smooth and hydrating. (It smells great too!).
And everything else was free!
I had to pick up two bottles of the 100-point perk – Lancome Genefique! I’m running low on my actual full-sized bottle and these are basically free, so I picked two!
I’ve never heard of DevaCurl, but the sample of this One Condition Daily Conditioner was huge and I have curly hair, so I thought it would be cool to try it out.
This Bare Minerals Best in Show set was free with $35+ purchase, and I really like Bare Minerals. It comes with a duo eyeshade with Mixologist, a light shimmery pink, & Cognac, a gold bronzy color; Speak Your Mind, a rose colored lip stick; and Beauty, a rose colored mineral blush!
You know I love all of the Josie Maran products, so I also got this free, 5-day sample set. It has five sample pouches of the Argan Cleansing oil, which I’ve never tried but always wanted to; the 100% Pure Argan Oil (which I LOVE); and the new Argan Daily Moisturizer with SPF 47.
Since it was around my birthday, I also got the Sephora/Makeup Forever VIB Rouge birthday gift to really make this a true Sephora Haul. This little set comes with the MUFE Smokey Extravagant mascara, the MUFE Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N9, and the MUFE Aqua Eyes eyeliner for VIB Rouge only.
And finally, since I re-upped my VIB Rouge status, I got this Formula X – X❤Rouge nail polish. Pretty cool for a free gift.
I am super excited about everything I received! YAY SEPHORA!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I am so excited about this gift box from Lush. I love the fun, colorful wrapping paper and bright orange bow. I love getting individual items from Lush, but it always extra nice to have a neatly wrapped package. 🙂 I received this wonderful box…well, for my birthday. And what a Happy Birthday indeed!
The Happy Birthday gift box comes with four bath bombs and two bubble bars. (And fun streamers and a noise maker!!)
Everything smells amazing — like Lush! The set comes with The Comforter (my fave) bubble bar, Pop In the Bath bubble bar, Avobath bath bomb, Big Blue bath bomb, Phoenix Rising, and Fizzbanger bath bomb.
These are a few of my favorite bath goodies at Lush so this is a perfect gift for me. Plus, I love all the colors. They’re almost too pretty to use! Almost. 🙂
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
When you have a special event to attend, whether it be a birthday party, a graduation, a school dance, a wedding, or just a big date, you want to look your best.
Big Event Countdown!
1 month:
2 weeks:
This is the time to knock out some of the easy things!
1 week
Getting so close to the event! So exciting!
2 days
1 day
The Big Day
You’re all set for your special day! Let me know your tips for getting picture perfect for your big event in the comments or tag me in a picture on Instagram (@muffinchanel). I’d love to see all of your looks!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I got the GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD (.5 oz) as part of a gift set from Sephora. The kit came with the white jar SUPERMUD (1.2 oz.) in a pink/blue “reversible” gift box for $69. The kit is a good value because a 1.7 oz. size of either the YOUTHMUD or a 1.2 oz. size of the SUPERMUD alone would cost $69. Still, 70 bucks is a lot to pay for a face mask. The packaging probably has something to do with the price — that Gift Sexy packaging is quite clever and the actual mask jars are weighty and substantial feeling. The YOUTHMUD jar was sealed with a foil seal (unlike the SUPERMUD).
The mud is a light brownish color with a few chunky bits here and there. The scent was subtle and clean/minty smelling; I actually liked it a lot.
I applied the mask with a flat foundation brush. The mud is not too thick, but does have chunks of leaves and other ingredients in it. I sort of painted it all over my face, avoiding my eye area. The product spreads easily without being runny or super thick. I did apply the mask to my entire face, but you could also just use it as a spot treatment. With the .5oz. size, I estimate that I will get 1-2 more full face uses out of the GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD.
I had read that this mask is “extremely” tingly/stingy. All the reviews I’d read recommend not using the mask if you had been tanning or using a retinol recently as it might make your skin extra sensitive and cause a rash/breakout. The mask was slightly tingly about a minute after I applied it & that feeling lasted a couple minutes. It wasn’t uncomfortable at all. I let the mask dry for about 30 minutes and it dried to a smooth, light grey color. The mask felt slightly tight and there were visible chunks of leaf all over.
To remove the mask, I splashed a little bit of water on my face to loosen it up and get rid of that tight feeling. I then softly rubbed my face in small circular motions. The mask has very fine, sand-like particles inside that worked to exfoliate and remove any dull/dry skin. The mask was easy to remove in warm water and then I patted my face dry with a towel.
I quite like this mask a lot. I didn’t experience extreme stinging/tingling/burning like I’d heard, the smell was pleasant, and the fine exfoliating particles left my skin feeling soft and smooth. My skin was glowing and had a nice, rosy (not irritated) flush look. My skin felt only slightly tight/dry after but I felt that it really prepped my skin to absorb my serums and nighttime treatments.
If you haven’t read my full review on the SUPERMUD, you can check it out HERE.
This will be a quick side-by side comparison between these two masks:
Both masks are great and I think they work well together. If I had to choose only one, I’d get the GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD in the black jar because I like the exfoliation and it’s a better value.
What do you think of the GLAMGLOW mud masks? Which is your favorite?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
1. Starbucks Gift Card | Starbucks, various denominations
If your Valentine likes Starbucks, gift cards are the way to go. They even have cute, Valentine’s Day themed cards online and in-store. Even just $5 is super sweet to give to school friends, family or a co-worker.
2. Veranda Place Bee Wristlet | Kate Spade, $98
This wristlet is so cute! Pink with bows? You can’t go wrong. It’s great because it can hold your cards & money and be a sort of on-the-go wallet or throw it in your purse to help you stay organized. Perfect for your sister or best friend….or yourself!
3. togoPower Boost Keychain | Photojojo, $40
This keychain holds up to 1.5 hrs of extra battery life for your phone. It’s small and fits on your key ring. This would be great for anyone, even the guy in your life. A boost of power can help you stay connected with your Valentine when they need it most.
4. Valentine’s Day socks | Nordstrom, $10
Everyone loves a cute pair of socks. These pink, heart socks are sweet and cozy. Perfect for your sister or school friends. Tie them up with a ribbon and some candy & you’re good to go!
5. Too Faced Plump Gloss Glow | Sephora, $42
This set from Sephora comes with a mascara, nude lipstick, and a heart shaped pink blush. Very Valentine’s Day appropriate! The blush looks nice and rosy with a shimmer highlighter built in. A great Valentine’s Day gift for the makeup lover in your life.
6. Rue iPhone 5 Case | Marc Jacobs, $48
This iPhone case is so fun and pink! With a black cat with white mascara detail around the eyes, this gift is perfect for your best friend or sister who like trendy things or anything Marc Jacobs. The case bulges in certain areas around the phone so you’ll always have a good grip!
7. “Love Edge” Stud Earrings | Marc Jacobs, $42
Sleek, simple heart earrings are perfect for a casual day or a romantic Valentine’s Day evening. Delicate & dainty and perfect for the girly girl in your life.
8. Hanalei Triangles iPhone 5 Case | Pura Vida Bracelets, $20
This case is fun and beachy. Perfect for your friend who isn’t really into Valentine’s, but you still want to get them something. It has a slightly romantic feel with the layers of colors, but it’s perfect to give year round. Check the site for other fun case options!
9. Heart Compact | Marc Jacobs, $7
This mirrored compact is super cute to give to your teammates, school friends or anyone who would like a heart shaped mirror. At just $7, it’s a cute gift for everyone.
10. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Gift Trio | Sephora, $120
My favorite fragrance of all time! Flowerbomb is a super floral scent that just makes you happy when you smell it. This set comes with the fragrance, a shower gel, and a body cream. And if you get it from Sephora with your Beauty Insider card, you’ll earn triple points. This gift is great for a girlfriend/wife.
11. Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Complexion Kit | Sephora, $68
This set is perfect for your mother, your sister, or anyone who likes makeup/skincare. The set comes with a bottle of the Josie Maran Argan Oil Light, Cheek Gelée, Matchmaker Powder Foundation, and Matchmaker Serum Foundation. It’s limited edition and there are three color options.
12. Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm | Sephora, $27
Love this lip balm! It’s amazing! Perfect for the bestie or family member in your life who cares about skincare or lip products. This balm will heal chapped, winter lips and can be used as a primer, on its own, or as a treatment. Plus, it’s sheer pink and romantic in its embelished white case.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY gift, look no further. I found this simple Valentine’s Day themed candy jar idea through Pinterest from thefrugalgirls.com, so I thought I’d re-create it as a perfect gift for friends and family.
I love the Valentine’s Day themed M&M’s! Even though they taste the same, all Pink’s and Red’s seem magical. ❤ Anyway, it’s pretty straight forward — separate your M&M’s by color and layer them into your mason jar.
Then, to make it a little extra special, I cut out a few hearts out of the red construction paper and wrote some fun Valentine’s Day themed notes — “I love you” & “You’re sweet”. I slid the hearts into the side of the jar so that they’ll show through the glass.
As an extra detail, I cut a circle out of the construction paper to cover the lid of the mason jar. Then I cut a ‘tag’ out of the construction paper as a To: label and attached it to the jar with some red yarn. Super easy! Just make sure to get a smaller/cuter sized mason jar so the M&M’s can fill it all the way. 🙂
I’ve been wanting to get more into Pinterest, so if you have an account, I’d love to start following you. Post your links in the comments! ❤
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
The top tier of Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is VIB Rouge. I recently became Rouge level with my haul from the VIB sale last month and have been excited for all the perks that come with Rouge status — invites to exclusive events, free shipping, free access to the beauty studio, and special surprise gifts.
I am very happy with the free shipping. I haven’t used the Beauty Studio at all (and don’t think I will) (have any of you used the Beauty Studio services?) but it’s nice that the option for a free makeover is available. I think it’d be fun to go to a VIB Rouge event, but I was really excited/curious about these “surprise gifts.”
I started researching online about what the gifts were & how frequently they were given, but no one seemed to have gotten anything. In fact, the VIB Rouge forum at sephora.com was full of girls who were upset about not yet receiving anything.
But I got an email today about getting $20 off your purchase of $50 or more that’s “exclusive” for VIB Rouge and VIB’s (thanks for the info sdbeautyjunkie and prettytrippy) whereas BI and VIB level will receive a $15 off $50 coupon. Check your email if you are a Beauty Insider — the coupon starts today and goes through December 16th.
I went to Sephora today and was pleasantly surprised to receive another special surprise gift!
Since I am VIB Rouge, they were giving out a cute mirrored compact and a holiday/thank you card. So cute!
The compact is black on the top with “SEPHORA VIB ROUGE” in red lettering. I opened the mirror and it had a cute note inside:
“DEAR VIB ROUGE, THANK YOU FOR BEING ONE OF OUR BEST CLIENTS. BEAUTY ADDICTION LOOKS GOOD ON YOU. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER TEAM”
…and inside the card
You can get the compact online as well by using the code: ROUGELOVE.
What a cute little gift! I wasn’t expecting anything, so this was perfect. I actually really like the mirror and will carry it in my purse. It’s little things like this that make you feel extra special.
Have you gotten any VIB Rouge gifts? Let me know in the comments! 🙂